RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Tech giant Cisco is going to invest $1 billion in expanded manufacturing capabilities in India, saying the move will further diversify its supply chain as well as help meet what it says is growing customer demand in that country.
“Today, we are announcing strategic investments in Indian manufacturing capabilities as the next step in delivering cutting-edge technologies to our customers in India and across the globe,” said Chuck Robbins, chair and CEO of Cisco, in the announcement. “Fueled by a rapidly developing digital economy, India is a focal point of innovation and business for Cisco, and we remain deeply committed to our partnerships here.”
The news came after Robbins met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Cisco noted it is “now building core manufacturing capabilities in India, including testing, development and logistics, and expanding in-house repair operations. In addition to supporting supply chain resiliency, reducing lead times, and elevating customer experience, this will add further impetus to the local economy.”
Cisco has operated in India since 1995.
The expansion comes after Cisco cut some 4,000 jobs last December. Robbins has said no further layoffs are planned.
Cisco operates one of its largest campuses in RTP, employing several thousand people.
